https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sportal_com_au/8/a/tony-popovic_nhyrsgcsiun51exc105wr4294.jpg?t=-1831157221&w=500&quality=80Wanderers coach Tony Popovic's haunted stare says it all as his side was taken apart by Melbourne Victory (Pic: Getty Images)

Tony Popovic's team has basically been flawless since their inception with stunning progress domestically and regionally in only two full seasons. That's why it must be concerning for the club to put in such an atrocious performance against Melbourne Victory to open the A-League season.

It was the Wanderers biggest ever A-League defeat and also the first time they have conceded four goals in a domestic match - a worrying sign for a team that prides itself on being solid at the back.

Yes, it could have been a hangover from the superb achievement of making the Asian Champions League final and there was also several important players missing - including first-choice central defender pairing Matthew Spiranovic and Nikolai Topor-Stanley plus gun striker Tomi Juric.

But the most concerning part of the performance was the lack of fight and passion shown by the Wanderers as Victory ran circles around them.

Second-half substitutes Vitor Saba and Romeo Castelen showed plenty of class and the squad additions of forward Nikita Rukavytsya and Nigerian left-back Seyi Adeleke should make a difference.

Further questions will be asked if the Wanderers struggle against a much-improved Sydney FC on Saturday night.

Matthew McKay should know better

https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sportal_com_au/19/84/matthew-mckay_cd9tc7wk1ncn15tfcwvydq9o8.jpg?t=466092801&w=500&quality=80Looks a bit angry doesn't he? Still no excuse for Matt McKay to ler his team down (Pic: Getty Images)

There was absolutely no excuse for McKay's dissent send-off against Adelaide on Sunday. The 31-year-old A-League veteran let his team down with his red card arguably costing Brisbane any chance of getting back into the game against the Reds.

It was clear on the replays that McKay was fouled by an Adelaide opponent but referee Ben Williams has form for sending off players for abuse - so why take the risk?

Would also love to know what McKay said to cop the red ticket. Williams nearly dropped the card he was that flustered by it.

Roar lacking penetration down the flanks

Last week, this column mentioned to 'never write off a champion' but it's clear there are a few issues with the balance of Brisbane's squad.

The overlapping full-backs have always been crucial in Roar's fluent attacking system and with the loss of Ivan Franjic, it appears a key cog to the machine is missing.

https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sportal_com_au/c0/89/ivan-franjic_f2cg3ufd40bt15nq32qgfosj5.jpg?t=466137945&w=500&quality=80I'm tipping Roar fans will miss the sight of Ivan Franjic steaming down the right flank this season (Pic: Getty Images)

Young defender James Donachie, who is more accustomed to centre-back, looked lost at the right full-back position, providing absolutely no impetus going forward. Just as crucially, veteran left-back Shane Steffanuto is 34 years with his drive down the left side slowly diminishing.

It's extremely important that Roar's left-back is an attacking threat because it gives Thomas Broich more options and makes the German an even more dangerous proposition.
There are solutions to the problem with impressive youngster Jack Hingert and new signing Daniel Bowles in the squad this week - both natural right-sided players. Left-back Corey Brown is one week away from returning from injury and he will put the heat on Steffanuto.

Attacking football a joy to see

The first round of the A-League did not disappoint with most teams playing entertaining, attacking styles that were brilliant to watch.

Perth Glory have traditionally been a dour side over the past few years but attacking additions such as gun striker Andy Keogh, Mitch Nichols, Youssouf Hersi and Richard Garcia have transformed their outfit. Full credit to Kenny Lowe for ensuring full-backs Scott Jamieson and Josh Risdon got forward at all opportunities too.

https://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sportal_com_au/cb/b8/mitch-nichols_1mat34o5hb2w61vy46yw70vs00.jpg?t=466312417&w=500&quality=80MItch Nichols among others has helped provided an extra attacking verve at Perth Glory this season (Pic: Getty Images)

Melbourne Victory, Adelaide United, Brisbane Roar and Wellington Phoenix also impressed with their styles of football. Sydney FC and Melbourne City were slightly disappointing but the Sky Blues have Marc Janko and Bernie Ibini to come into the side while City will start David Villa this week with Robert Koren yet to debut.

The jury is still out on Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets with their two young managers still blending together their squads.